Risk Assessment

In accordance with Australian Standard AS 4663:2013, our risk assessment looks beyond the test results and considers how your floors are actually used day to day. Australian Standard AS 4663:2013 provides the methodology for the risk assessment of slip resistance on existing pedestrian surfaces. It specifies testing methods, such as the wet pendulum and dry floor friction tests, to measure slip resistance, which is then used to classify the surface’s safety rating (e.g., a P-rating for the pendulum test). This standard requires regular testing based on risk factors like surface type, usage, and cleaning practices, and a risk assessment should consider the potential for slips, trips, and falls to determine appropriate safety measures. Testing takes into account the Slip Resistance Value (“SRV”) obtained from wet pendulum testing, and compares it against the recommended levels set out in the Handbook HB 198:2014 – Guide to the Specification and Testing of Slip Resistance of Pedestrian Surfaces. The standard’s purpose is to objectively measure slip resistance to determine risk and ensure pedestrian safety in various environments.

Key elements of the AS 4663:2013 risk assessment

01

Testing:

Methods for testing existing surfaces, including the wet pendulum test and dry floor friction test. The tests provide objective data on which to make decisions.

02

Classification:

A surface's slip resistance is classified from the test results and often using a P-rating from a wet pendulum test - low, moderate, or high risk.

03

Risk-based frequency

Depending on the assessed level of risk, such as high traffic or high-risk areas, the required frequency of testing can then be determined. The frequency of testing is determined from the risk profile – more regular testing is required for high traffic or high-risk areas.

04

Trigger-based testing:

Changes to surface conditions resulting from surface treatments, cleaning method or product changes, or after a near-miss incident, trigger a need for new test results to be obtained.

The risk assessment sequence

01
Identify hazards

02
Conduct tests

03
Analyse results

04
Determine risk level

05
Determine control measures

06
Implement control measures

07
Schedule and conduct regular testing

COMMON PEDESTRIAN AREAS WITH ELEVATED “SLIP, TRIP OR FALL” RISK

The most common pedestrian areas that present an elevated “slip, trip or fall” risk, and hence a higher public liability risk for businesses, include but are not necessarily limited to: